Historical posters show diverse interests of researchers

27 February 2012

Today an entire poster session was dedicated to the history of urology, chaired by History Office Chairman Prof. Dirk Schultheiss (DE) and Prof. Imre Romics (HU). Many of the speakers were encouraged to use their presentations as a basis for a further contribution to De Historia Urologiae Europaeae, the EAU’s annual publication of historical urological research.

There was a large variety of topics on display, with speakers coming from across Europe and including Dr. Jorge Moreno Palacios, who came from Mexico to present his research on Mexican painter Diego Rivera.

Rivera, best known for his work in frescos, was diagnosed with penile cancer in the 1950’s, and his plight was reflected in his work. As a prodigious lover, who derived much pleasure from his genitals, he declined any radical treatment and received radiation treatment in Europe and the Soviet Union instead, to no avail. His work had many phallic overtones, and his worsening condition is clearly visible in the nature of his frescos, several of which adorn hospitals in Mexico.

Several topics enjoyed a centennial anniversary this year or last. Prof. Remigio Vela Navarette (ES) presented the unique conditions of urology in Spain, whose Urological Association celebrated its 100 years last year. The density of urologists in Spain is one to every 30,000 people, compared to 200,000 in the United Kingdom.

Prof. Johan Mattelaer (BE) drew the audience’s attention to the 100th anniversary of the French Journal d’Urologie Medicale et Chrurgicale this year, and Mr. Aruna Nandasena (GB) and Mr. Peter Thompson (GB) lauded Lord Lister’s achievements, inviting the audience to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his death in London in March.

Other highlights were the remarkable presentation by Asst. Prof. Zsolt Kopa (HU) on the diagnostic procedures for erectile dysfunction in medieval Europe, and a history of gender reassignment by Dr. Priyardashi Kumar (GB). The EAU Guidelines Office was also present, in the shape of Mr. Thomas Madden (GB) who presented milestones in the historical development of randomized controlled trials.